2020 has been a wild year, but the CCA family is readily embraced everything that came it way in stride. Long-time CCA family members, Harlena Morton, her daughter Brittany Stevens, and son Quinn know how important the ability to adapt and pivot is when confronted with challenges. In Harlena's words, we at CCA excel at being Caring, Creative, and Awesome, this year and every year. Read more about how our community makes that possible.
"Children's Craniofacial Association means "caring, creative & awesome" to my little family! In 1996, I was blessed to learn about CCA during a visit to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Plastic Surgery Clinic. After a few phone calls and completing scholarship and Retreat applications, my family eventually met the extended family that we never knew existed, but were happy to be welcomed into with unconventional love! From 1996 until today, CCA has provided financial support, medical assistance/guidance, educational knowledge and fabulous vacation retreats! My daughter, Brittany Stevens, was just under six years of age with a diagnosis of Nager syndrome, and I was a challenged parent, falling down into a world of despair, when we (me, Brittany and younger brother, Quinn), attended our first CCA Retreat.
Fast forward to 2020! The world is evolving during a frightening pandemic, but CCA didn't cancel our Annual Retreat! Instead, they pivoted and held the first ever Virtual Retreat! Yay! Instead of feeling sad about not getting to see each other in person and enjoy warm loving hugs, we shared our love, friendships and knowledge over technology! No, it wasn't the same, but it was creative and uplifting! I shared my personal thoughts on the "Realities of Relationships While Raising a Rare Child," and there were activities for all ages and for all of the rare craniofacial syndromes represented. The awe inspiring CCA staff didn't let time zones or COVID-19 stop our beautiful extended family from creating new memories or from gaining critical information on IEPs, 504 Plans, transition to adulthood, medical insurance challenges and options, as well as how to take care of your emotional health. They helped to bring us closer together...just in an unconventional way.
I will continue to spread the word about Children's Craniofacial Association, and support the organization because their mission is simple...awareness and acceptance."
How has CCA given your family hope and strength this year?
Donate today to our month-long #GivingTuesday fundraiser filled with gratitude.
As a special incentive, every gift of $100 or more, donated at this link, will receive a customized, reusable CCA Starbucks Cup, which makes a perfect gift!
Give NOW through midnight (12:00am PST) on Dec. 1, and we'll be sure to mail every $100+ donation a heartfelt incentive.
No comments:
Post a Comment
We welcome and encourage all readers to post feedback, however, we reserve the right to remove any comments that are deemed offensive or unrelated to the topic of discussion. Thank you for understanding and for helping us to foster a healthy environment for the families that we serve.